>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase, has said the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, should have properly advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the zoning of the 10th national assembly leadership positions.
Speaking on Channels Television programme, ‘Politics Today,’ on Friday night, Wase said he had consulted with Gbajabiamila on his ambition to become the Speaker of the 10th national assembly before the party zoned the position.
Wase had earlier on Friday declared his intention to vie for the speakership position in the 10th national assembly.
The National Working Committee (NWC)of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had last week nominated Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as its preferred choice for Speaker and deputy.
Wase and other aspirants rejected the NWC’s decision and protested the party’s nominations for the position.
Reacting to the development, Wase said the party should have given him the right of first refusal.
“I consulted with him (Gbajabiamila). We had a meeting in his house and I showed my interest.
“I cannot feel betrayed, it is politics. Everybody is trying to protect his own interest. He told that me if the party zones it (speakership position) to my own area, he will definitely support me.
“That has been his own words. Then, being in a position within the hierarchy of the party where discussions are held, I think it is his responsibility to guide the party properly and advise them that the procedure and process they want to take is not the right course.
“I don’t hold any malice. I don’t think I should do so,” the deputy speaker said.
Wase said his geopolitical zone, North Central, deserves to be nominated for one of the four top principal positions in the 10th national assembly.
“I want to believe that the party has a good intention to unite Nigeria. In terms of contribution, why will the North Central not be considered, if South East was considered? I think North Central deserves more,” he said.